Combine standout DB Troy Apke could be a good late-round fit for the Jaguars

The last day of the 2018 NFL Combine has come and gone with the defensive backs wrapping up what was another impressive all-around event. Of course, notables Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Tony Brown were among the group that took the field Monday, but with the Jags having one of the best secondaries in the league, it’s unlikely that they would target any of them. However, they could look to add some pieces in the later rounds, which would make combine standout and Penn State safety Troy Apke a perfect fit for them.

If you blink, you might miss Troy Apke’s 4.35-second 40-yard dash that made Deion Sanders the happiest person on earth. pic.twitter.com/d8VwjPxqAu

Apke turned heads Monday (most notably that of Deion Sanders’) with a blazing 40-yard dash time of 4.34, which was the second best of any defensive back who participated. He played in a total of 23 games while with the Nittany Lions and predominantly contributed on special teams before becoming a starter at safety during his senior season. Additionally, Apke recorded a total of 55 tackles, five pass deflections in 2017 and even blocked a kick in the process. On defense, he plays with a tenacious downhill style and isn’t scared to lay the wood to ball-carriers.

Similar to the approach the Jags took with cornerback Jalen Myrick in last year’s draft, Apke is a player who special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis could find a place for, while defensive backs coach Perry Fewell could potentially groom him behind Barry Church, who is the backfield’s oldest player.

According to NFL.com, Apke is projected to be selected in the seventh-round or could possibly go undrafted. However, after showcasing his speed Monday, that could change as safeties with his speed typically find themselves drafted a little higher than expected.

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